Action Center for Educational Services and Scholarships (ACCESS)

Track Sponsor: Highland Street Foundation

Founded: 1985 (independently incorporated in 2006)

Current Budget: $1.9 million

Need

A college education is the key to opportunity and economic success in America today. However, rising costs and complexity in the financial aid system often keep these opportunities beyond the reach of even the most academically qualified young people.

College graduates earn 73% more than high school graduates.Over a lifetime, the earnings gap exceeds $1 million

College cost and a lack of understanding about the financial aid process are the top two reasons why academically qualified high school graduates do not enroll in college.

Since 1982, median family income in the United States hasincreased 147%, while the cost of college has increased 439%.

After grants and scholarships, the average Boston high school graduate will have to self-finance, through loans and direct payment, $11,700 per year upon entering college.

About

ACCESS provides financial aid advice and scholarships to help Boston's young people overcome the increasing and complex financial barriers to achieving a college education. Working with a network of community, school, and higher education partners, ACCESS raises awareness about college affordability, guides students and families through the financial aid process, and helps students secure the resources they need to achieve a college degree. ACCESS aspires to reach the day when every young person in Boston can graduate from college and reach their fullest potential, regardless of their family's financial resources or college experience.

Key Accomplishments

In 2008, ACCESS Advisors helped students secure $34.2 million for college, awarding $427,500 in direct aid through its Last Dollar Scholarship Program

ACCESS scholars have a 75% college graduation rate, twice the rate of Boston Public School students overall

Every dollar invested in ACCESS's one-to-one advising program yields $57 in financial aid and scholarships for Boston student

Join the Cause

In-Kind Support

Laptop computers and portable devices for school-based advising services

Web and database design

Professional development training programs to help young and talented staff grow

Financial Support

$25,000	Sponsor all financial aid advising efforts at a partner school of 400 students
$5,000	Fund a partnership between ACCESS and a community-based organization
$1,000	Underwrite one scholarship for a deserving, low-income Boston student